UAE is the most preferred Gulf destination for Indian immigrant workers

UAE has emerged as the most preferred Gulf destination for Indian immigrant workers. 1.5 lakh emigration clearances were offered to them in 2017. Saudi Arabia has relinquished its position as the top Gulf nation for Indian immigrant workers. It cleared 78, 000 emigration clearances to Indians in 2017. This was a decline of 74% from the 3 lakh ECs in 2015, as quoted by the Times of India.

Rank*

Nation

2017

1.

UAE

1, 49, 962

2.

Saudi Arabia

78, 611

3.

Kuwait

56, 380

4.

Oman

53, 332

5.

Qatar

24, 759

6.

Bahrain

11, 516

Sum of all GCC Nations

3, 74, 560

*Data is based on diverse replies offered in the Parliament of India.

As per the latest report from the World Bank, India remains the top receiver of overseas remittances from overseas. This added up to 69 billion $ in 2017 and roughly 56% of this was from the Gulf Cooperation Council nations. The GCC includes the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.

UAE is likely to remain as the most preferred destination for Indian immigrant workers. This is as it has announced a favorable policy change by the end of 2018. It will offer 10-year Residency Visas to overseas investors and professionals.

Immigrant workers will also be offered Provisional UAE Visas. This is for those who have lost jobs and will assist them in searching for fresh jobs. The proposal for Residency Visas a strategic move aimed at attracting highly talented and qualified professionals.

As per estimation, around 50 to 60% of crucial positions in finance across GCC nations are held by Indians. These have also launched the VAT regime of late. Thus, the demand for tax and finance professionals is constantly increasing.